London Fog Rolls with Lavender Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A floral twist on the classic sweet roll

 Few things in the kitchen feel as comforting as the smell of freshly baked rolls drifting through the house. Now imagine that aroma blended with the gentle fragrance of Earl Grey tea and a hint of lavender. That is exactly what you get with London Fog Rolls with Lavender Cream Cheese Icing — a soft, fluffy pastry inspired by the beloved London Fog tea latte and elevated with a delicate floral glaze.

These rolls are not just a dessert; they are an experience. Perfect for weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or special occasions, they combine warmth, sweetness, and elegance in every bite

What Are London Fog Rolls?

The London Fog is a popular tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. Its signature flavor comes from bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit that gives Earl Grey its unique aroma.

London Fog Rolls take those same flavors and transform them into a baked treat:

• Earl Grey–infused dough

• A soft vanilla-sugar filling

• Finished with lavender cream cheese icing

The result is a roll that is:

• Lightly sweet

• Aromatic and comforting

• Balanced between citrus, vanilla, and floral notes

Why Lavender Works So Well

Lavender can be intimidating in baking. Too much, and your dessert tastes like soap. But when used gently, culinary lavender adds a subtle floral complexity that pairs beautifully with:

• Vanilla

• Citrus

• Tea flavors

• Cream cheese

In these rolls, lavender is infused into the icing, creating a soft perfume rather than an overpowering taste. It enhances the London Fog theme while keeping the rolls approachable and delicious.

Ingredients Overview

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour

• Milk (for richness and softness)

• Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea

• Active dry yeast

• Sugar

• Butter

• Eggs

• Salt

• Vanilla extract

For the Filling

• Brown sugar

• Butter

• A touch of vanilla

• Optional: finely ground Earl Grey tea for stronger flavor

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Icing

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Butter (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Culinary lavender (infused)

• Vanilla extract

• Milk or cream

Step 1: Infusing the Milk with Earl Grey

The heart of these rolls is the tea infusion.

Warm your milk gently and steep Earl Grey tea bags in it for about 10 minutes. This allows the bergamot flavor to infuse fully into the liquid. Remove the tea bags and let the milk cool to lukewarm before adding yeast.

This step ensures:

• The dough carries real tea flavor

• The aroma is present throughout the roll

• The flavor feels authentic rather than artificial

Step 2: Making the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Warm Earl Grey milk

• Yeast

• Sugar

Let it sit until foamy, then add:

• Eggs

• Melted butter

• Vanilla

• Salt

• Flour

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This usually takes 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

Mix softened butter with brown sugar and vanilla. You can add a pinch of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves if you want an extra tea-forward flavor.

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll it tightly into a log and cut into even slices.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 4: Baking the Rolls

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, or until:

• Light golden brown

• Puffy and soft

• Fragrant

Your kitchen will smell like a tea shop and bakery combined.

Step 5: Lavender Cream Cheese Icing

To make the lavender icing, gently warm milk or cream and steep culinary lavender for 5–7 minutes. Strain and cool.

Beat together:

• Cream cheese

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla

• Lavender-infused milk

The icing should be smooth, lightly floral, and not too sweet.

Spread it over warm rolls so it melts into the cracks and layers.

Flavor Profile: What Do These Rolls Taste Like?

Each bite offers:

• Soft, buttery dough

• Subtle citrus from Earl Grey

• Sweet vanilla undertones

• Gentle floral finish from lavender

• Creamy tang from cream cheese

They are sophisticated but comforting — ideal for:

• Tea parties

• Baby showers

• Weekend brunch

• Holiday breakfasts

• Afternoon desserts

Tips for Perfect London Fog Rolls

1. Use Culinary Lavender Only

Never use decorative or craft lavender. Culinary lavender is food-safe and milder in flavor.

2. Don’t Overdo the Lavender

A little goes a long way. Too much can overpower the entire dessert.

3. Brew Strong Tea

For noticeable flavor, steep Earl Grey longer than you would for drinking.

4. Frost While Warm

Warm rolls help the icing melt slightly, creating a glossy, bakery-style finish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Option:

Prepare rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Warm gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Variations You Can Try

Honey Lavender Rolls

Replace sugar with honey in the filling for a more floral sweetness.

Lemon London Fog Rolls

Add lemon zest to the icing for a brighter citrus flavor.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Cardamom Twist

Add a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a spiced tea flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls with:

• Hot Earl Grey tea

• Coffee or latte

• Fresh berries

• A dusting of powdered sugar

They pair beautifully with quiet mornings and special gatherings alike.

Final Thoughts

London Fog Rolls with Lavender Cream Cheese Icing bring together the comforting warmth of homemade rolls and the elegance of tea-inspired flavors. They are soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough, with a floral finish that feels refined but still cozy.

Whether you bake them for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon tea break, these rolls offer something special — a bakery-style treat with a touch of creativity and charm.

Once you try them, they may become a new favorite in your kitchen.